§ 9. Sir H. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food following the break-through of the North Sea into the marshes south of Walberswick, what action he is authorising the river board to take to prevent further loss of land.
§ Mr. John MackieI understand that the river authority reinstated the sea bank the day after the recent flooding. It is for it to determine what capital works if any should be undertaken. If a scheme could be devised to protect these marshes which was both technically and economically sound, we would certainly consider it for grant aid.
§ Sir H. HarrisonThat Answer is very disappointing, particularly in view of the representations made by the parish council and myself, because unless the wall is built up where it is now, a far longer wall, using hundreds of acres of good 348 agricultural land, will be needed. This is a penny-wise, pound-foolish policy. The Ministry must grant the money to make this defence.
§ Mr. MackieThat is exactly what I said to the hon. and gallant Gentleman. It is the job of the board to come forward with an economically viable scheme and then—[Interruption.]—I do not think that the hon. Gentleman would suggest that the present Government would spend anything unless the project was economically viable. But if that is what the Opposition want, we might take a look at it.